Choose a food processor if you regularly chop, grate, slice, blend or knead, without needing to cook in the same appliance. A cooking machine is a better fit if cooking, slow cooking or steaming replaces a task you carry out frequently, while a separate blender is sufficient when liquid preparations are your main focus.
You regularly chop, grate, slice, blend or knead and want to avoid collecting separate choppers, graters, beaters and mixers. The bowl capacity and accessory storage then become crucial considerations.
You already have a hob, oven, multicooker or slow cooker and do not want to add a cooking function that you will rarely use.
You are looking for one appliance that can chop, mix and cook, particularly for slow-cooked dishes, soups or steaming. Compare the usable capacity, accessories and cleaning requirements.
Choose this if: you often prepare vegetables, sauces, purées, doughs or minced ingredients and cooking is already handled by other appliances.
Good to know: it handles several preparation tasks, but does not replace a cooking function.
Choose this if: your needs mainly involve soups, stewed fruit, sauces, purées or blended drinks.
Good to know: on its own, this option does not cover regular grating, slicing or kneading.
Choose this if: you want to prepare and cook in the same bowl for soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food.
Good to know: the capacity, cleaning requirements and available space must be suitable for regular use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions you will actually use | Compare the accessories supplied: blade, discs, whisk, dough hook or blender. Check separately for the functions needed for smoothies or crushing ice. | I want to chop, grate, slice, blend or knead without keeping several small appliances that duplicate one another. |
| Size and storage | Measure the space available, including the clearance beneath cupboards. Compare the dimensions, whether accessories can be stored in the bowl or a dedicated box, and the capacity suited to your quantities. | My worktop needs to stay clear, and the discs, blades and bowls must be storable without taking up an entire cupboard. |
| Cooking function | Check whether the appliance genuinely prepares and cooks in the same bowl, as well as which steaming or mixing accessories are included. Distinguish between total and usable capacity. | I either want to process ingredients only, or cook, slow-cook or steam without switching appliances. |
| Cleaning and handling | Check the model’s instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe. Make sure the blades can be stored safely and check how the pusher is used for grating or slicing. | I want to use the appliance regularly without cleaning or handling the accessories becoming off-putting. |
Accessories take up space, and some recipes require a specific item that may not actually be included in the pack you choose. A long list of functions does not guarantee that each one will suit your habits.
Make a list of the recipes you prepare each week, then check the exact list of accessories supplied with the product reference being sold.
The stated volume may differ from the amount that can actually be used for liquids, dry ingredients or dough. A bowl that is too small means preparing several batches, while an oversized model can make storage more difficult.
Compare the usable capacity with your usual quantities and check the stated limits for dough or liquids.
Cooking is what distinguishes a cooking machine from a food processor. If you already regularly use a multicooker, hob or oven for this stage, the function may be redundant.
Identify the recipes for which you genuinely want to cook or slow-cook in the machine; otherwise, compare compact food processors first.
Blades, choppers and graters require careful handling, and dishwasher compatibility varies by component and manufacturer.
Read the instructions, use the pusher for grating or slicing, keep the blades out of children’s reach and do not immerse the motor unit in water.
Worth considering for a compact food processor designed for a kitchen with limited storage, particularly the MultiPro Go range.
Worth comparing for a compact preparation appliance with in-bowl accessory storage, such as the MultiTalent 3.
Worth considering if you need a higher-capacity food processor for chopping, blending and kneading without cooking.
Worth comparing when an integrated cooking function is important, particularly within the Companion range of cooking machines.
Joybuy options covering the three approaches discussed here: preparing and cooking in the same appliance, using a food processor for preparation, or blending drinks and liquid preparations.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare and cook in the same appliance rather than keeping separate equipment.
4,5 L bowl, including a stated usable capacity of 3 L, with built-in scales, 20 temperature settings, timer, whisk, dough hook, reversible disc and steaming baskets.
Its stated dimensions of 40 × 26 × 36 cm and weight of 9,4 kg call for a stable position. Also check the space needed to store the accessories and the requirements for accessing the connected functions.
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This option is designed for everyday preparation of vegetables, meat, drinks and grated ingredients using one appliance.
Stated capacity of 1,8 L, with blender, chopper, meat-mincing, slicing and grating functions, plus detachable parts stated to be dishwasher-safe.
If kneading, whisking or cooking is essential, choose a model that explicitly lists these functions. Also check the dimensions, accessory storage and the exact contents of the pack.
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Worth considering when drinks, soups and blended preparations make up most of your needs.
Stated capacity of 1 000 ml, with heating, delayed start, keep-warm function and self-cleaning programme.
This model does not list the grating, slicing or kneading functions of a food processor. Check its dimensions and the care instructions for the removable parts before purchase.
It can combine several functions, including chopping, grating, beating and blending, but only with the right accessories. Check what is included: a blender, citrus press or ice-crushing accessory is not always supplied.
Choose a cooking machine if you want to cook, slow-cook or steam in the same appliance used for preparation. According to Que Choisir, cooking is the feature that distinguishes a cooking machine from a food processor; if it duplicates the appliances you already own, a food processor may be the more sensible choice.
Measure the storage space or worktop, including the clearance beneath wall cupboards. Then compare the dimensions, the weight if you need to move the appliance, the bowl’s usable capacity and how the discs, blades and accessories are stored.
Unplug the appliance before cleaning the motor unit and do not immerse it. Check the instructions before putting bowls or accessories in the dishwasher, use the pusher in the feed chute, and handle blades and graters carefully.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. Keep your proof of purchase and the product details, particularly if the goods do not match their description or the use normally expected of them.